USS Arleigh Burke Launches Missile In Night-Time Mediterranean Defense Test

The USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) carried out a nighttime missile launch during a ballistic missile defense operation in the Mediterranean Sea on March 29, 2026.

The destroyer fired a Standard Missile 3 (SM-3), designed for ballistic missile interception, during the night-time exercise while deployed in the region.

USS Arleigh Burke is operating under the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations. The deployment supports warfighting effectiveness, lethality, and readiness of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa.

The mission is part of ongoing operations aimed at defending U.S., allied, and partner interests across the region.